SULU SEA (Aug. 9, 2018) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Detroit Brooks and Airman Taielua Lotoa remove chocks and chains from an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, attached to the "Blackjacks" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21, on the flight deck of Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) during search and rescue operations for a missing Marine attached to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). The Essex ARG/13th MEU is currently deployed to the 7th fleet area of operations. U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Jenna Dobson



National military news
Essex ARG, 13th MEU conclude at-sea search for missing marine
8/14/2018
From 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit Public Affairs
AT SEA (NNS) -- After a deliberate, five-day search, the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) concluded their search and rescue operation for a missing Marine, Aug. 13.
The Marine was reported missing and assumed overboard Aug. 9. At that time the ship was conducting routine operations in the Sulu Sea. Over the course of the at-sea search approximately 13,000 square nautical miles of the Sulu Sea, Mindanao Sea and the Surigao Strait were searched with more than 110 aerial sorties.
Additional support was provided to the search and rescue effort by the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, U.S. Coast Guard District 14 and Singapore Information Fusion Centre.
“Only after exhausting every possibility through persistent and thorough search efforts, we have concluded the at-sea search and rescue effort for our Marine,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Gerald Olin, commander, Amphibious Squadron One and the on-scene commander for the search and rescue operation. “We appreciate the continued support provided to us from the U.S. Embassy and Philippine Government.”
“All of our Marines and Sailors demonstrated a tremendous resilience and put forth an extraordinary effort over the past five days, and I am humbled by the teamwork and professionalism displayed by all involved to find our Marine,” said Col. Chandler Nelms, commanding officer, 13th MEU. “Our thoughts and prayers have been and will continue to be with our Marine’s family during this difficult time.”

Sailors' opinions will directly shape Navy alcohol, drug campaigns
8/9/2018
From 21st Century Sailor Office Public Affairs
MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- The Navy’s Keep What You’ve Earned and Prescription for Discharge campaigns aim to help Sailors make responsible decisions when it comes to alcohol and prescription drug use, preserving their health and careers.
During the final days of this year’s 101 Days of Summer, Sailors will have the opportunity to anonymously share their opinions on how these campaigns can be improved, how they have made a difference and areas of opportunity for future efforts.
“No one understands the challenges that Sailors face better than Sailors themselves, and that’s why we’ve created an anonymous survey to get the unvarnished opinions of the people we serve,” said Dorice Favorite, Director of Navy Alcohol Abuse Prevention (OPNAV N170A). “Our campaigns aren’t just created for Sailors, they’re created with them. Asking for feedback through surveys and focus groups helps to ensure that these campaigns are resonating with today’s Sailors and engaging them with the products and tools they need,” said Favorite.
The Keep What You’ve Earned and Prescription for Discharge Combined Campaign Survey launched Aug. 8 and will continue through Sept. 7, and is sponsored by Navy’s Alcohol Abuse Prevention and Drug Detection and Deterrence offices. The survey is short – it takes less than 10 minutes to complete – and completely anonymous. Although the primary audience for the survey is enlisted Sailors under the age of 25, all members of the Navy team are encouraged to participate, including deck plate and senior leaders, drug and alcohol abuse prevention personnel, Navy civilians and Navy family members.
“When this survey was last administered in 2016, nearly 40% of respondents observed that safe and proper use of prescription medication had been discussed more often over the past year,” said Lanorfeia Parker, Director of Navy Drug Detection and Deterrence (OPNAV N170D). This insight led OPNAV N170D to fine-tune Prescription for Discharge messaging among different audience segments to shape these discussions at all levels—between peers, leaders and their Sailors, as well as providers and their patients.
Additionally, the last survey indicated that “Safe Ride” programs were the Keep What You’ve Earned campaign’s most effective tactic. These findings, coupled with focus group feedback from Sailors in the fleet, were used to integrate Lyft and Uber access into the campaign’s mobile application, Pier Pressure.
This year’s Keep What You’ve Earned and Prescription for Discharge Combined Campaign Survey is available at https://survey.max.gov/167456.
For more information about how to encourage responsible drinking among Sailors, visit Navy Alcohol Abuse Prevention at http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/support/21st_Century_Sailor/NAAP/Pages/default.aspx.
For more information on Navy Drug Detection and Deterrence, visit http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/support/21st_Century_Sailor/DDD/Pages/default.aspx.

TSC provides voting assistance
8/1/2018
by Brian Walsh, Training Support Center Public Affairs
GREAT LAKES, Ill. (NNS) (NNS) -- With the midterm general election approaching quickly, Training Support Center (TSC) Great Lakes wants to remind Sailors the command representative can assist those who are unsure of what they need to do to exercise their right to vote Nov. 6.
Every Navy command has a Voting Assistance Officer (VAO). Besides accessing the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) website, voters can speak directly to these individuals who stand ready to assist Sailors and family members.
"TSC has a voting assistance officer to act as the resource for all voting-related questions concerning voter registration, eligibility, voting processes, home and local election office contact, and to offer non-partisan information on election issues," said Thaddeus Marion, VAO at TSC. "Additionally, the voting assistance officer will inform and educate U.S. citizens of their right to vote, foster voting participation and help with any and all questions related to absentee voting."
For those who think it is too late to register, it is not. Registration for all states can be handled at http://www.fvap.gov/. U.S. citizens over the age of 18 who wish to vote in their state of residence can fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) to register and also request their absentee ballot for the election.
"If you plan on voting and have not registered, do so as soon as possible using the FPCA for your state." Marion said. "If you have already registered and you do not receive your absentee ballot 30 days before the election, you can use the Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot (FWAB) also found on the www.fvap.gov website."
Eligible Sailors have the constitutional right to vote. The Navy tries to remove as many obstacles as possible to help people to exercise that right.
"Voting is one of the most powerful acts a citizen can do," Marion said. "Each vote is a voice that speaks to the future direction of our country. Voting is our opportunity to share with the world the values and ideals that matter to each of us. Voting matters because we matter, our way of life matters and our future matters."

Record 7.7M in scholarships for
children of Marines/ Navy corpsmen
August 2018
The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation announced it will award a record-breaking $7.7 million in academic scholarships to over 2,330 children of Marines and Navy corpsmen for the upcoming 2018-19 academic year. This news ensures that deserving recipients in all 50 states have access to affordable post-high school, undergraduate, and career technical education programs.
“The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, just like Marines on the battlefield or in peacetime, leaves no Marine family in-need behind,” said President and CEO Lt. Gen. Robert Ruark. “No matter when or where a Marine serves, we are always faithful, committed to honoring that service if they ever have a son or daughter in-need.”
The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation is the nation’s oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships for military children. Since its inception, the Scholarship Foundation has provided over 40,000 scholarships.
For more information on the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, please visit www.mcsf.org. For updates, follow us @MarineScholars and connect with us by using the hashtag #MarineScholars.



SoCal military news

SAN DIEGO (Aug. 9, 2018) Cmdr. David Crockett Pavlik relieves Cmdr. Albert Bert Hornyak as commanding officer of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit One (EODESU-1) during a change of command ceremony Aug. 9 aboard Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. EODESU-1 plans, coordinates, integrates, synchronizes, and provides logistics support for Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group One (EODGRU-1) and its subordinate EOD mobile units, mobile dive and salvage units, and the training and evaluation unit in garrison and forward deployed to Central Command, Africa Command, Pacific Command, and Northern Command areas of responsibility. U.S. Navy EOD is the world's premier combat force for countering explosive hazards in support of Navy, joint, interagency and coalition commanders across the full range of military operations. U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Kara Yingling
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit 1 holds change of command
8/10/2018
From Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1 Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Explosive Ordnance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit (EODESU) 1 held a change of command ceremony, Aug. 9, at Naval Base Coronado.
During the ceremony, Cmdr. David “Crockett” Pavlik relieved Cmdr. Albert “Bert” Hornyak as commanding officer of EODESU-1.
Hornyak assumed command of EODESU-1 in May 2016. During his time as commander, EODESU-1 deployed independent-duty technicians with expertise in construction, weapons, diving and medicine in support of deploying EOD task forces, battalions, companies and platoons.
"EODESU-1 is the Navy's premier combat logistics command," said Hornyak. "I am grateful and humbled to have had the opportunity to lead, be led by, and serve with the men and women of EODESU-1. They crush it every day. The warriors of ESU are committed to winning in all circumstances. They are a disciplined team of inspiring leaders and tenacious fighters who are masters of their trade. It was truly an honor and a privilege."
Additionally, Hornyak led the unit in providing critical communications, infrastructure, and fiscal support to EOD operational units participating in joint and international exercises.
Capt. Dean Muriano, commander, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 1, served as the guest speaker for the ceremony.
"The change of command ceremony is unique in the world today, in that it is the transfer of total responsibility, authority and accountability from one individual to another," said Muriano.
Hornyak is a native of Severna Park, Maryland, and commissioned in the Navy following graduation from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in 1997. His next assignment is to Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor, where he will lead their ordnance program.
“I’ve got an expression that especially applies here at EODESU-1: 'Our stock is rising,'" said Pavlik. "From the work Bert has done before me to the pride and professionalism of this crew, our stock is rising. When the people in an organization love what they do and are the best at it, your stock is rising.”
Pavlik is a native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, graduated from the University of San Diego State University in 1991 and most recently served as the logistics officer at Expeditionary Strike Group 3 in San Diego.
EODESU-1 is located on board Naval Amphibious Base Coronado and plans, coordinates, integrates, synchronizes, and provides logistics support for EODGRU-1 and its subordinate EOD mobile units, mobile dive and salvage units, and the training and evaluation unit in garrison and forward deployed to Central Command, Africa Command, Pacific Command, and Northern Command areas of responsibility.
U.S. Navy EOD is the world's premier combat force for countering explosive hazards and conducting expeditionary diving and salvage.

Woodworth relinquishes command to Dockery at MCAS Miramar
Col. Jason G. Woodworth, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, relinquished command to Col. Charles B. Dockery during a change of command July 20.
Woodworth passed command to Dockery after serving as MCAS Miramar’s commanding officer for nearly three years, where he oversaw multiple energy conservation efforts, ultimately leading to MCAS Miramar receiving the 2017 Commander-in-Chief’s Award for Installation Excellence.
“It’s an honor to be here. [Woodworth] and I have been friends for a long time, we’ve known each other for a long time,” said Dockery. “I’m very proud to be coming in behind him and continuing the great work that he and Renee have been able to do at the air station.”
Dockery, Woodworth’s successor as commanding officer, has experience as in many positions including an operations officer, staff secretary, RQ-21 “Blackjack” and Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) service requirements officer, commanding officer of Marine Fighter Attack All Weather Squadron [VMFA(AW)] 225, deputy directorate for Regional Operations, Chief of Staff, and much more.
Dockery has more than 2,400 flight hours in the F/A-18D, several college degrees and has received a series of medals and awards. According to Woodworth, Dockery is a capable leader and will be exceptional as commanding officer.
“I came into this job really no having a clue what to expect and I have learned more than you can imagine,” said Woodworth. “We truly couldn’t do it without the service members and I am more proud of being associated with them and the entire Miramar team than I’ve been anything else in my entire life.”

Bryan takes helm at Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Center
6/16/2018
by Lt. Joshua Pierce, Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Center
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Center (FLEASWTRACEN) held a change of command ceremony onboard Naval Base Point Loma, June 15.
Capt. Brandon Bryan relieved Capt. Ron Toland as commanding officer.
Toland assumed command of the training center in June 2016. During his tenure, he led a staff of 270 service members and 30 civilian government employees, enhanced curriculum and proficiency of his instructors, and embarked on several initiatives, including the reshaping and implementing of new sonar technician surface training.
Toland's next assignment is deputy commander for Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center Mine Warfare Division, also located in San Diego.
Bryan, who previously served as assistant chief of staff for operations on the staff of commander, Carrier Strike Group 15 and director of strike group anti-submarine warfare training at the Undersea Warfighting Development Center, looks forward to his new duty as commanding officer for FLEASWTRACEN.
"It is a true honor and privilege to take command of this dedicated team of Navy active duty and civilian professionals," Bryan said.
"FLEASWTRACEN is at the forefront of delivering relevant and realistic combat systems training to the surface warfare fleet, and I look forward to working with this superb team in continuing their record of excellence."
CSCS' mission is to develop and deliver surface ship combat systems training to achieve surface warfare superiority. CSCS headquarters' staff oversees 14 learning sites, including FLEASWTRACEN. With a military and civilian staff of 300, FLEASWTRACEN delivers 90 technical courses of instruction through 475 course convenes educating more than 4,100 U.S. Navy and partner nation Sailors in the many facets of maintaining and operating their ships in the areas of anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, combat systems training and littoral combat ship training.

CSG 1 welcomes new commander
6/13/2018
From Carl Vinson Strike Group Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Rear Adm. Alvin Holsey relieved Rear Adm. John Fuller as commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1, during a pierside change of command ceremony, June 12, aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70).
Vice Adm. John D. Alexander, commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, presided over the ceremony and thanked Fuller for his efforts over the past 11 months as strike group commander.
Holsey addressed strike group staff and leaders after assuming all duties and responsibilities as the CSG-1 commander.
"I am honored today to stand before you as your leader," said Holsey. "We will take every advantage to execute with professionalism, with purpose, and with precision."
Holsey received his commission through the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps program at Morehouse College in 1988. He commanded Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 37 from 2007 to 2008 and the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) from 2013 to 2014.
Holsey reported to the strike group from the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington, D.C., where he served as a deputy director for operations.
Carrier Strike Group 1 was formally established in 2009. The strike group includes aircraft carrier Carl Vinson; Carrier Air Wing 2; guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57); Destroyer Squadron 1 guided-missile destroyers USS O'Kane (DDG 77), USS Sterett (DDG 104), USS Dewey (DDG 105), and USS Michael Murphy; and USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001).

USS Carl Vinson changes command
6/11/2018
From USS Carl Vinson Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Capt. Matthew Paradise relieved Rear Adm. Doug Verissimo as commanding officer of USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) during a pierside change of command ceremony June 11 on the ship's flight deck.
Verissimo, who assumed command of Carl Vinson in May 2016, was promoted to rear admiral during the ceremony just before turning over command to Paradise. Vice Adm. DeWolfe Miller, commander, Naval Air Forces, spoke during the event and praised Verissimo's leadership.
After Paradise assumed all duties and responsibilities as Carl Vinson's commanding officer, he addressed the crew as captain for the first time.
"I join Admiral Miller and Admiral Verissimo in saluting Team Vinson for all it has achieved in these past few months and years," said Paradise. "There are more opportunities yet to go. We will have the opportunity to showcase America's strength, strengthen ties with our international partners, and remind everybody once again who is the best at what they do."
Paradise enlisted in the Navy in 1985 and attended Basic Underwater Demolition School. While assigned to SEAL (Sea, Air, Land) Team 2, he was selected for the Enlisted Commissioning Program and earned his commission in 1992.
After earning his wings as an F/A-18 pilot in July 1995, he flew and served in multiple training and operational commands. Paradise served as the executive officer for USS George H.W. Bush from 2013 to 2015 and commanded USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) from 2016 to 2017.
Carl Vinson is America's third Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. The ship's namesake is one of the longest-serving U.S. congressmen in history who had a profound impact on developing America's modern naval force centered on aircraft carriers.






United Through Reading®
Deploying? Service members invited to record stories for family at San Diego USO
United Through Reading® is a program helping ease the stress of separation for military families by having deploying or deployed service members read children’s books aloud via DVD for their family to watch at home. This powerful program is available to all military units. It provides service members a chance to make lasting connections from afar. The DVD recording and the book are mailed to the child and family back home.
Service members who are leaving for training can also take part in this program. Being a parent is not required; service members can send the DVD & book(s) to any special child in their life such as younger sister or brother, niece, nephew or godchild.
On the day of the recording, service members are encouraged to dress in the attire they will be wearing while deployed/training, but this is not required. The room is private, so any special message, or those fun reading voices, will only be heard by the recipient of the DVD recording. USO San Diego has books available, or service members can bring their own. Our volunteers will help set up the camera and then leave the room. The DVD can hold a 30 minute recording.
Please e-mail USO San Diego Staff Member Nichole Duarte at utr@usosandiego.org to make your appointment. This program is offered at both USO San Diego centers.